Vet Tix transformed veteran David Koger’s life, offering him free Super Bowl tickets.
David Koger attends event through Vet Tix
SEATTLE — A local military veteran is heading to the Super Bowl this weekend thanks to Vet Tix, a nonprofit organization that provides free event tickets to veterans, service members and first responders as a way to thank them for their service.
Vet Tix works with teams, leagues, performers and individual donors to distribute tickets to major sporting events, concerts and shows nationwide to veterans, active duty servicemembers and families of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
“Vet Tix is the largest veteran service organization in the United States,” said Steve, a leader with the organization. “We have one mission and one mission only, and that’s give something to those who gave.”
For high-demand events like the Super Bowl, tickets are awarded through a lottery system.
This year, Vet Tix had five pairs of Super Bowl tickets and randomly selected winners from among its members.
Credit: David Koger
David Koger
One of those winners was David Koger, a US Navy Veteran who said he was overwhelmed when he learned he had been selected.
“Blown away,” Koger said. “You know, as I’m getting choked up thinking about it, right? Because, I mean, what Vet Tix does for veterans is life changing.”
Koger said Vet Tix has had a lasting impact on his life, especially during difficult periods.
“Vet Tix has really been life changing for me and for a lot of people that I know and that I served with,” he said. “And I would say that in some cases, it saved lives.”
Koger served more than two decades on active duty before retiring from the military as a Lieutenant Commander.
He said the tickets have allowed him to attend events he never could have afforded on his own and helped him reconnect with others who have served.
“There’s no way that I could financially do all the things that Vet Tix allowed me to do,” Koger said. “And it’s also expanded my horizons.”
For the Super Bowl, Koger said he is bringing someone especially meaningful.
“My girlfriend doesn’t like sports. She doesn’t like football,” he said. “But her son and I, who I think of like my own son… I’m taking him.”
Steve said creating moments like that is the heart of the organization’s mission.
“If we can send our members to these events for free with their family or friends to rebuild these bonds, these relationships,” he said, “and to just de-stress and unplug, that’s our mission.”
As Koger prepares for the trip, he said the experience still feels unreal.
“It’s pretty amazing,” he said. “Once in a lifetime.”
